“It is with deep appreciation that I accept this most wonderful honor. The grant will be enable APIDC to continue raising the visibility and contributions of APIs with different abilities,” Patty stated in receiving the award, introduced by Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau at the awards ceremony attended by hundreds of students, professors, and the mayor of Berkeley.
The University cited Kinaga’s efforts in community organizing for social change for more than 25 years tackling complex, sometimes controversial issues, while mobilizing scores of volunteers with her compassion and commitment.

As a young prosecutor years before the current awareness of domestic violence, Kinaga observed injury cases involving Asian Americans in which strong cultural barriers discouraged women from testifying against their abusive husbands. Determined to empower these women, she helped to pioneer major educational efforts and recruited more than 100 volunteers and experts in the field to produce an Emmy-nominated documentary, “About Love,” one of the first U.S. films about domestic violence. She later cofounded the Asian Pacific Women’s Center transitional shelter for women and children and continues to provide support to APWC today.

In recognition of the access barriers to the legal system faced by many non English speaking Asian Pacific Americans, Patty co-founded the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution, the country’s first community based mediation center for individual and inter-community conflicts. One of APADRC’s highlights is a training program for youth.
Kinaga also directed “Mothers, Daughters, Sisters,” the first documentary to confront cultural issues that lead to the late diagnoses of breast cancer – and uncounted losses – among Asian women, and has helped to organize educational screenings featuring health advocates, oncologists and survivors.

For over ten years Patty has helped to raise awareness of specific challenges facing APIs with disabilities who face cultural and language barriers due to stigma faced within the Asian communities, combined with difficulties of mainstream agencies in accessing this community. Patty helped to co-found and has chaired APIDC, which has connected hundreds of consumers and their families, API organizations and mainstream social service providers for information sharing, networking and advocacy for policy changes.

Last year, Kinaga spearheaded the star studded Thousand Hearts concert at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium attended by 1700 guests, with JABA as a major co-sponsor, raising tens of thousands of dollars for tsunami victims in Japan.
JABA President Audra Mori said, “Patty has contributed to the community in countless ways over the years, including serving as President and board member of JABA. Patty not only serves the community and her clients, but also brings to all of her work uncommon creativity and quality – she clearly deserves this award.”

JABA members and supporters showed their strong support by helping raise over ten thousand dollars for JEF’s scholarship programs, which benefits students pursuing a legal education. JEF President Lynn Whitcher noted, “This was our most successful fundraiser yet, and we are grateful for the long-standing support of JABA, its members, and friends. We couldn’t do this without them.”

JEF awarded four $2,000 scholarships this year to deserving law students. JEF is proud of the many achievements and contributions to the Asian Pacific American community made by each of the applicants. JEF’s scholarship recipients for 2012 are: Amy Inagaki from USC Law School, Timothy Shimizu from UCLA Law School, Lisa Foutch from USC Law School, and Karyn Ihara from Loyola Law School.

Scholarship recipient Karyn Ihara said, “I am very thankful for everything JABA has given me – friends, mentors, and now a scholarship! I hope to someday be able to give back even a fraction of what I have received from JABA.”

JEF would like to acknowledge and thank the Lim Ruger Foundation for its generous contribution in providing a scholarship for a sixth consecutive year. JEF looks forward to its continued relationship with the Lim Ruger Foundation. In addition, JEF would like to thank all of the donors who contributed to this important and worthy cause, as these scholarships would not be possible without them.

JEF invites you to join them on May 18, 2012, for their third annual theater night fundraiser, which will feature the East West Players production of A Little Night Music, a Stephen Sondheim musical about love, marriage and infidelity inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night and featuring the beloved song, Send in the Clowns. A pre-show reception will be held at the historic Little Tokyo Chop Suey Restaurant. Free wine will be offered by the theater. A post-show Q&A session with the cast will be held for JEF guests. Tickets are on-sale now. Contact Lynn Whitcher at 310.315.8279 or lwhitcher@mcguirewoods.com or Diana Nishiura at 213.897.2160 or dnishiura@msn.com for additional details.

Justice McKenna gave an inspiring keynote speech about her experience overcoming setbacks to become a Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Born and raised in Japan by a single mother, Justice McKenna attended the University of Hawaii on a basketball scholarship and graduated from the UH School of Law. In late 1993, she was appointed to the state District Court, and in 1995, to the Circuit Court, before serving as Senior Judge of the Family Court of the First Circuit. Justice McKenna never waivered in her commitment to public service despite being passed over for judicial positions before she was elevated to the Supreme Court.

As Hawaii’s first openly gay Justice, Justice McKenna related some of the challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth and the importance of acceptance by their parents. Justice McKenna, who has three school aged children with her partner, said: “It is important for people like me to be public, not only to provide inspiration for GLBT youth, but also to let their parents see that there are thriving members of the community who happen to be GLBT.”

Congressman Adam Schiff, the son of a World War II vet, received JABA’s Public Service Award for his efforts to introduce successful legislation honoring Veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He commended the war heroes, some who were in attendance at the Gala to support the Congressman.

JABA also presented Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto with its Community Service Award for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of Japan earthquake and tsunami victims. He entertained the audience with a rousing karaoke song in Japanese. The Iron Chef later sent a message to JABA members saying, “It is important that each person contributes to society in their own way” and urged everyone to help those in trouble.

The JABA Educational Foundation (JEF) provided scholarships to four law students: Karyn Ihara from Loyola, Amy Inagaki from USC, Tim Shimizu from UCLA, and Lisa Foutch from USC. JEF also conducted a silent auction and raffle which raised thousands of dollars for scholarships.

JABA President Audra Mori specially thanked JABA members who have pursued public service – in particular the lawyers from the City Attorney, District Attorney, Public Defender, Alternate Public Defender, the Attorney General, and U.S. Attorney offices and the judicial officers who are among JABA’s most steadfast members and supporters.

For pictures of the Gala, click here.

“We’re delighted to have such prominent public figures at our Gala,” said JABA President Audra Mori, “both Justice McKenna and Congressman Schiff have very inspirational stories to share with our community. And the Iron Chef has worked tirelessly on behalf of Japan earthquake and tsunami victims.”

Justice McKenna was sworn in as a Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court on March 3, 2011. Born and raised in Japan, she attended the University of Hawaii on a basketball scholarship before going on to graduate from the University of Hawaii, School of Law, where she served as Editor in Chief of the Law Review. Justice McKenna was a civil litigator, corporate counsel, and law professor before becoming a trial court judge in 1993. She is the first openly gay member of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents California’s 29th District, introduced legislation to honor veterans of the U.S. Army 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) with the Congressional Gold Medal. On November 2, 2011, those Japanese American WWII veterans received their recognition at the Gold Medal ceremony in Washington, D.C. Rep. Schiff said, “Their true heroism lies in how they fought for the values of America – equality, justice, and opportunity – even when those values were denied them at home.”

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be recognized for his community service contributions throughout the years, including most recently the tsunami relief efforts co-sponsored by JABA with last year’s Thousand Hearts Benefit Concert. Iron Chef, trained in sushi and kaiseki, is known for his Japanese fusion cuisine at his restaurants throughout the world, including New York, Hawaii, India, Philadelphia and Napa. The Iron Chef will be specially appearing at the JABA Gala to accept the award.

Frank Buckley, KTLA Morning News Co-Anchor, will emceee the Gala.

The JABA Gala is an annual celebration at which distinguished members in the community are honored and the JABA Board is installed. Hundreds of lawyers, judges, elected officials, businesspersons, and members of the Japanese American community attend. Past speakers and honorees include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, and Senator Daniel Inouye. JABA is the only Japanese American bar association in the country and one of the oldest Asian American bar associations. The JABA Educational Foundation will also hold a silent auction to raise scholarship funds for deserving law students. Entertainment will be provided by singer Mika Todd.

Gala Sponsors include Perkins Coie; Union Bank; Greenberg Glusker; Seki, Nishimura and Watase; Munger Tolles; and Crowell & Moring. Individual tickets are $125. For sponsorship information, contact Audra Mori at amori@perkinscoie.com or James Toma at tomajm@hotmail.com.

JABA Gala

JABA honors its past and celebrates its future at its Installation and Awards Gala on March 9, 2012 at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles. The Honorable Justice Sabrina Shizue McKenna of the Supreme Court of Hawaii will be the keynote speaker and Congressman Adam Schiff and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be honored.

The Consul General emphasized his desire to strengthen ties between the United States and Japan, and mentioned the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) as an example of a successful program that builds constructive relationships between the two countries. Several JABA members have participated as Delegates in that program.

Eric Nishizawa and Ken Tanaka from the JABA Business Lawyers Group organized the festive reception. “We’re honored that Consul General Niimi took time from his very busy schedule to provide this opportunity to our members and guests,” said Nishizawa, “We look forward to working further with the Consul General to improve relations between the America and Japan.” Nishizawa stated that the Business Lawyers Group speakers programs are a great opportunity for members to meet important decision-makers and influence important decisions. Members were able to speak with the Consul General in a setting where there was plenty of time for extended conversations.

Consul General Niimi’s previous international assignments were to England, Kenya, France, Iran, Russia, and Thailand. At the MOFA headquarters in Tokyo, he served as Director of the Overseas Public Relations Division, Director of the Consular Policy Division, Director of the Overseas Establishments Division, and Assistant Vice-Minister. JABA welcomes the Consul General and looks forward to maintaining an amicable and collaborative relationship with the Consulate General of Japan.

“It’s important to keep in mind those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season,” said Inoue. “We hope to bring a little joy to families going through tough times.” JABA has been a Toy Drive sponsor since its inception 12 years ago and many members volunteered to make this year’s event a great success. “I was glad to help,” said Mark Hanasono, who organized the JABA volunteers. “It feels good knowing we’re providing toys to children who might not otherwise have a lot to celebrate.”

Attendees, including volunteers, each brought a new toy valued at $20 or more or made a monetary donation used to purchase toys. The Toy Drive distributed over 1,500 toys and raised over $5,000 in admission and raffle proceeds. The toys were given to recipient organizations to distribute to families who receive their services. Those organizations include the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Little Tokyo Service Center and many others.

An estimated 450 persons attended the entertainment-filled event MC’d by Helen Ota with music by Joseph Vincent, Voco Loco, and Fujazz Band.

Participating bar organizations included JABA, APABA, APAWLA, KABA, SABA, SCCLA and TALA. “The sponsoring organizations and their volunteers make this a special event,” said Inoue. “It’s a wonderful event because we get so many toys for needy children but also bring together the APA community in doing so.”

For photos of the event, go here or here.

This year JABA President Alison Matsumoto presided over the meeting, assisted by President-Elect Audra Mori. Vice President and Membership Chair Steve Yoda announced that JABA membership had reached 240 members and that Doug Sugimoto had become a Lifetime Member. Steve acknowledged all the JABA Lifetime Members and Sustaining Members. A fabulous buffet dinner followed, including dim sum, peking duck, walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken, other dishes, and a mango pudding dessert. The reception for JABA 2011 Public Service Award recipients, Hon. Kathryn Doi Todd and the Hon. Ernest Hiroshige followed.

Vice President Steve Yoda introduced Judge Ernest Hiroshige. Judge Hiroshige was appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1980 and to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1982. One of the two most senior judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Hiroshige was a founding member of JABA and the organization’s second President. Judge Hiroshige received the prestigious UCLA Alumni Service Award in 1994, and has a long history of community service.

The Hon. Victoria Chavez, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeals, who serves with Justice Doi Todd, read statements of congratulation from the Hon. Roger Boren, Presiding Justice of Division Two of the California Court of Appeals, and Justice Judith Ashman-Gerst, Associate Justice. Past JABA President, Patricia Kinaga, introduced Justice Doi Todd, and presented her Award. Justice Doi Todd rewarded her audience with a fascinating account of JABA’s early history and her own journey to the bench. Appointed to the bench in 1978, Justice Doi Todd was the first Japanese American woman judge in the country. She was appointed to the CA Court of Appeals in 2000.

Corporate Affairs Committee Chair Diana Nishiura noted that these Awards were well-deserved and long overdue. Thanks to Diana and all the JABA members who helped organize this incredible event!

For photos of the event, see here

ABC newsman David Ono, emcee since 2000, read trivia questions to 39 teams, while making jokes about NBC. Despite their rivalry, the media teams were united in hissing at the attorney teams – JABA, Fong & Chun, and APALC, another former champion.

JABA was led by trivia king Jason Wilson, and the team included Dennis Yokoyama, Steve Yoda, Dee Hayashi, Don Denton, Dave Prechtl, Richard and Maribeth Mason, William Delgado, and Jerome Vered.

Volunteering as judges for the contest were several superior court judges: Hon. Akemi Arakaki, Hon. Lisa M. Chung, Hon. Fred Fujioka, Hon. Alan B. Honeycutt, Hon. John Ing, Hon. Roger Ito, Hon. Mark C. Kim, Hon. Bernie LaForteza, Hon. Tomson Ong, Hon. Rafael Ongkeko, Hon. Tammy C. Ryu, Hon. Timothy Saito, Hon. Paul Suzuki, and Hon. Gary Tanaka.

This year, a new award was added: the College Bowl Grasshopper Cup, for the top finisher among college teams. The Grasshopper Cup went to the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association team. The final award, a case of ramen for the team which finishes in last place, was won by the Paradise Cookies Truck team; they may not be great at trivia, but they do make tasty cookies – a box was on each team table for participants to enjoy after the dinner supplied by Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Thanks to AAJA for another terrific event, and congratulations to them on their 30th anniversary as a vital community organization!

(Want to know the answers to the trivia questions? Operation Neptune Spear, Pennsylvania, and Kim!)

For photos, see here.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said that Yamamoto is “recognized in the API and LGBTQ communities as a leader who connects issues and communities to fight for human rights, justice and dignity.” Noting that Yamamoto “completed her transition from male to female in 2003 and continues to advocate for transgender rights while sharing her personal story as an out transgender woman of Japanese American ancestry,” Ridley-Thomas thanked Yamamoto for her “outstanding service to the people of Los Angeles County.”

“I accept the John Anson Ford Award on behalf of a community which has been oppressed and marginalized for far too many years,” Yamamoto told the Rafu Shimpo after the ceremony. “I am nobody special; however, whenever a transgender person of color is included, then maybe somewhere another transgender child of color is given the hope that there is a place for him or her in the world.

“And I give thanks to the many heroes and martyrs of the civil rights movement for providing the wave on which the rights of so many previously excluded people, including LGBT people of color, have been realized and recognized. For that, I am thankful.”

Also on hand for the presentations were Human Relations Commission President Sergio Paz and Executive Director Robin Toma.

Born Michael Yamamoto in the Poston internment camp in Arizona in 1943, she graduated from Cal State Los Angeles and served in the Army from 1966 to 1968, receiving the Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Yamamoto graduated from UCLA School of Law in 1971 where she co-founded the Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association. She served as a poverty lawyer for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (1971-74) and deputy Los Angeles County public defender (1974-84), and has been in private practice since 1984.
A former recipient of the American Bar Association Spirit of Excellence Award (2008), Yamamoto has also been honored as a Southern California Super Lawyer (2005-2008) and Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year by the Century City Bar Association (2006).

JABA congratulates Yamamoto, an outstanding leader and role model, on her well-deserved recognition.